Notes about the magazine article below:

• An introduction is used to capture the reader’s attention and tell the reader what will follow
• The body paragraph shows the use of facts in magazine articles
• A concluding paragraph can be used to summarise the main ideas of the article

Excerpts from a magazine article

Author: Meilan Frame

Off the Tourist Path in Bali: Balangan Beach and Villa Manuk

Introduction

The mention of Bali immediately conjures up images of a tropical paradise, and with good reason. Besides spectacular beaches, great surfing and diving, and lush, natural sites of waterfalls, mountains and hot springs, Bali is home to a magnificent culture that houses notions of unparalleled friendliness and hospitality among its people. Of the high number of international visitors to Indonesia, over eighty percent go to visit Bali alone.

A paragraph from the body of the article

The villa itself has two apartments that include an open air bath, luxurious bedrooms, and large verandahs with great views of the fields and hills beyond. The location is one of perfect seclusion, and the friendly and hospitable staff supply you with meals brought from the couple’s exquisite restaurant in Singaraja, as well as housekeeping requests and information about excursions. At Villa Manuk, only naturally grown Balinese products are used, in support of the environment and the local community. There is also a newly-built spring water swimming pool, with natural spring water from a mountain stream continuously running through it, keeping it free of chlorine and other chemicals.

Conclusion

So, if you’re ever thinking of a trip to Bali, or considering going again, try secluded and unspoiled Balangan for swimming, surfing, and beach life, and Villa Manuk in the north for the rural experience. I guarantee you’ll find both of them more enjoyable than the noisy tourist scene of Kuta and Ubud. Unless, of course, you’re looking for a rave.

1. Plan article before writing, plan key ideas of article
2. Introduction should be strong, will it interest readers
3. Base article on facts
4. Begin each paragraph with sentence introducing main idea of paragraph
5. Use quotes from people connected to topic?
6. Include links between introductory sentence idea and concluding sentence idea to strengthen main idea in each paragraph?
7. Try summarising article in conclusion or finish by writing strongest idea in another way?

English Editing Made Easy offers insights into how to write a magazine article based on excerpts from an article written by Meilan Frame

Vivienne Westwood: A Life in Fashion

Introductory sentences

Global fashion icon and godmother of hi-end punk fashion, Dame Vivienne Westwood, arrived in Hong Kong two months ago at the ArtisTree venue to her highly acclaimed retrospective A Life In Fashion exhibition. Opened first in London, 2004, the exhibition has since been on a global tour, moving through Europe, America, Australia, and Asia. The final stop is in Beijing, allowing the fashion-conscious here access to some of Westwood’s most notable pieces…

EEME note: Capture the reader’s attention and the article appears to be based on facts.

Introductory sentences to paragraph 2 In 1971 Vivienne Westwood and her partner, Malcolm McLaren (producer of legendary punk band the Sex Pistols), opened a small shop at 430 King’s Road called Let It Rock. The store sold a stock of 50’s-style rock-n-roll pieces designed by Vivienne…

EEME note: Tell the reader what the paragraph will discuss.

Conclusion to paragraph 3

…Westwood viewed punk as “a heroic attempt to confront the older generation,” but once it became absorbed by the mainstream, she turned to “subverting the Establishment from within.”

EEME note: Uses quotes to strengthen important points.

Introductory sentence to paragraph 4, followed by concluding sentence of paragraph 4

In March 1981, Vivienne Westwood launched her first runway show, “Pirate”, at Olympia in London in March 1981…

…“Pirates” immediately propelled both Westwood and McLaren as serious and marketable designers, and their designs were further popularized by the UK band Adam and the Ants.

EEME note: Clear links between the introductory sentence and concluding sentence of the paragraph

Introductory sentence to conclusion

Surely, the achievements of Vivienne Westwood’s 40 year career in fashion have had no small effect on the industry, spanning from torn and tattered punk street wear to luxurious nightgown collections coveted by famous Hollywood stars.

EEME note: Concludes with strong idea and summarises the main idea of the article

English Editing Made Easy wants readers to understand subjects and verbs.

Most sentences use a subject and a verb and tell people a complete idea. However, before writing a sentence writers must understand the difference between a subject and a verb.

What is a verb?

A verb is an action word.

A verb is something that can be done.

A verb is something people or things do.

Examples of verbs in sentences:

Dogs run fast. (run is the verb)

The dog jumped. (jumped is the verb)

The lady bought a car. (bought is the verb)

This coat fits me. (fits is the verb)

I wash my clothes on the weekend. (wash is the verb)

The boy brushed his teeth. (brushed is the verb)

He read the newspaper. (read is the verb)

Quiz 1

Find the verb in these sentences:

1. Cats sleep in the sun.

2. Dogs chase cats.

3. Teenagers love iPods.

4. He writes interesting books.

5. The flowers grew quickly.

6. The wind blew the kite.

7. The kite flew high.

See the answers at the bottom of the page

What is a subject in English?

English grammar rules tell us a subject is the person or thing in a sentence doing the action.

The subject of a sentence is who or what the sentence is about.

Examples of subjects in sentences:

Dogs run fast. (Dogs is the subject)

The dog jumped. (The dog is the subject)

The lady bought a car. (The lady is the subject)

This coat fits me. (This coat is the subject)

I wash my clothes on the weekend. (I is the subject)

The boy brushed his teeth. (The boy is the subject)

He read the newspaper. (He is the subject)

Quiz 2

Find the subject in these sentences:

1. Cats sleep in the sun.

2. Dogs chase cats.

3. Teenagers love iPods.

4. He writes interesting books.

5. The flowers grew quickly.

6. The wind blew the kite.

7. The kite flew high.

See the answers at the bottom of the page.

Quiz answers

Quiz 1:

1. Cats sleep in the sun. (sleep is the verb)

2. Dogs chase cats. (chase is the verb)

3. Teenagers love iPods. (love is the verb)

4. He writes interesting books. (writes is the verb)

5. The flowers grew quickly. (grew is the verb)

6. The wind blew the kite. (blew is the verb)

7. The kite flew high. (flew is the verb)

Quiz 2:

1. Cats sleep in the sun. (Cats is the subject)

2. Dogs chase cats. (Dogs is the subject)

3. Teenagers love iPods. (Teenagers is the subject)

4. He writes interesting books. (He is the subject)

5. The flowers grew quickly. (The flowers is the subject)

6. The wind blew the kite. (The wind is the subject)

7. The kite flew high. (The kite is the subject)

Many clients using this English editing service struggle with how to write a sentence. A review of some basic points to consider when writing a sentence may be helpful.

All sentences use a subject and a verb and tell people a complete idea.

Examples of sentences:

1. She is a student.
2. It’s cold today.
3. He looks happy.
4. He bought a new shirt.
5. The lady bought a new house.
6. Are you hungry?
7. Where did you buy your new car?

Not sentences:

1. Windy weather (no verb)
2. Since it snowed (not a complete idea)
3. Is very thin (no subject)
4. The lady bought (not a complete idea)
5. Each day after lunch (no subject, no verb)

QUIZ

Are these sentences?

1. It very windy today.
2. It is very cold today.
3. This shirt too big.
4. This coat fits me.
5. My friend from India.
6. When she arrived.
7. He wants to exercise every day.
8. He didn’t like
9. Enjoys exercising every day.
10. She doesn’t want.

Check the answers below

Subjects and verbs are the most important parts of a sentence.

The subject tells who or what did something. A subject is a noun or pronoun.

Examples of subjects:

1. The man lost the keys to his house.
2. My friend could not find her car.
3. Running and cycling are my favourite sports.

Verbs often tell the action.

Examples:

1. My friend runs every day.
2. His girlfriend bought a new dress.
3. The family lives in an apartment.

Verbs sometimes link the subject to the rest of the sentence.

Examples:

Running is my favourite exercise.

She feels unhappy.

I am happy that my friend is a good runner.

Common linking verbs:

is, are, be, become, look, feel, seem, taste, smell, sound

Answers to “Are these sentences?”

1. No. (There is no verb.)
2. Yes.
3. No. (There is no verb.)
4. Yes.
5. No. (There is no verb.)
6. No. (It is not a complete idea.)
7. Yes.
8. No. (It is not a complete idea.)
9. No. (There is no subject.)
10. No. (It is not a complete idea.)

English Editing Service welcomes comments about the material provided as well as requests for future articles on this website.

• investigate a topic
• gather evidence
• evaluate and discuss the evidence
• support or oppose the topic

Argumentative essay assignments require detailed research of material about the topic. Writers need to show knowledge of different points of view in these essays. First hand evidence from observations, interviews and surveys may also be included in argumentative essays.

Introduction paragraph

• introduce the topic in a general way
• explain why the topic is important
• write a short, clear thesis statement to conclude the introduction.

(Remember: A thesis statement clearly explains what the writer believes in response to the essay question. The essay thesis statement often says what or who has caused the problem raised in the question.)

Body paragraphs

Usually an argumentative essay includes 3 body paragraphs.

• write about the main ideas of the topic
• write each main idea in a separate paragraph
• support the thesis statement with evidence from other writers
• collect and write about evidence collected to support the thesis statement
• include a range of up to date, logical and factual evidence
• explain how and why evidence supports the thesis statement 
• include all relevant ideas to help the reader understand the topic and support the argument of the essay
• usually argumentative essay include 3 body paragraphs
• explain opposing points of view about the topic
• explain weaknesses of opposing points of view (weaknesses may include out of date research, errors in the collection of research or lack of evidence supporting the opposing point of view)

Concluding paragraph

• re-emphasise the importance of the topic
• summarise two or three main points (briefly explain how the evidence supports the thesis statement)
• never introduce new points or information

Finally edit the essay or seek help from professional editors to achieve the highest possible result.

Editing

• check clear transitions are used to link the introduction, body and conclusion of the essay 
• transition words may be used to conclude main ideas and introduce the next idea of the essay
• transitions make understanding the essay easier for the reader as they show a logical sequence in the argument

Reports are most frequently written in connection to industry, government, science, schools and universities. Reports written are typically lab reports or formal reports.

A report aims to:

• explain the problem
• explain the procedures used to gather data
• show the results of the investigations
• point out conclusions
• offer recommendations

When writing reports they should be brief but explain the investigation completely and honestly. Reports are written to help people make decisions so they must use vocabulary suited to the topic and the readers. Using headings throughout the report will guide readers and make information easy to find.

Report structure

Introduction:

• Why report was written
• Who wrote report
• Where data came from
• When data was collected
• How data was collected

Body:

• Summarise major findings supported by data (most important to least important)
• Tables, maps or diagrams may be used
• Alternative solutions supported by statistics

Conclusion:

• Summary of results
• Recommendations (opinion based on results)

This restaurant menu is a classic example of how asking an English editing service for help with editing a menu will promote a business positively and avoid embarrassment and confusion.

Translation software does not always provide an accurate translation suited to the user's needs.

Hiring an English editing service to edit a menu may cost a little money when writing the menu but it will save thousands of lost dollars in the future.

Foreigners will quickly read and understand an edited restaurant menu, thus making them feel comfortable and confident to spend money and enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant.

Items on the above restaurant menus include:

The black the pick of pigs

The cold cow in west in special grade picks

The onions pig picks

The Milan pig picks

The pig picks the elder brother a cloth

The T bone of the United States picks

Italian vanilla mutton chop

The curry chicken picks the rice

Butter many privates

Thousand enrich the special features three text cures

France many privates

The thin cow picks three text cure

Company three text cures

The star state fries the rice

The bureau swallows to take the fish idea powder

Contact professional English editors to edit restaurant menus.

An essay is made up of 3 sections:

1. Introduction paragraph
2. Body paragraphs
3. Conclusion paragraph

1. Introduction

• Include a clear thesis statement in the introduction (Answer the essay question in one or two sentences)
• Introduce the main points readers will find in the rest of the essay – these points usually make up the topic sentence of the body paragraphs

2. Body paragraphs

• Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence (a sentence introducing the paragraph) based on one idea/point from the introduction paragraph
• Show knowledge of the topic by explaining the topic sentence
• Support the topic sentence by quoting the work from other important people who have written about the topic
• Include statistics and examples supporting the topic sentence ideas
• Write about the ideas people who disagree hold and say why the ideas are wrong
• Remember to acknowledge sources of information by referencing (See this link for referencing advice http://englisheditingmadeeasy.com/?p=877)

3. Conclusion

• Write a strong conclusion restating the main points from the introduction
• Summarise the main ideas that show the thesis statement is correct

Contact russell@englisheditingmadeeasy.com for further help

The winter fire-prevention notice

Dear sir/Madam:

The winter is coming, it is the season to occur fire disaster easily. For your security, please follow the below regulations:

1. Do not use other electric equipment when using the electric. Heat Meanwhile do not put anything on the electric heat and please turn it off when going outside.
2. Please clearing out the combustibles such as paper box on the balcony as soon as possible.
3. Please turn the gas off when going outside and prevent gas-leaking to make a fire.
4. When going outside, please turn off all the electric equipment’s such as electric iron, electric rice pot and etc.
5. Please do not smoke in the bed and clear the cigarette ends carefully.
6. Please tell your children not to play dangerous staffs such as lighter of match, and educate them to protect the fire extinguishers.
7. Please educate your employee about the fire-prevention knowledge.
8. If you need to install an electric equipment with more then 500w please contact the Guest Department and do not install it personally.
9. Please do not use transformers, if have to do that, please clean the surface of transformer constantly.
10. Your should master clearly about the peak load, if overload; please do not use electric equipment’s in the same time. Do not place combustibles around socket and electric equipment.
11. Do not burn anything in any place in our apartment, please follow “The Regulations about restricted setting off firecrackers.”
12. Please do not stroe the combustibles such as petrol, kerosene and etc. Please do not leave lighters or mousse in your car.
13. For using electricity and gas safely our apartment will do the security research: Meanwhile, we will educate your servants how to use fire exiling wisher.
14. Please close the door and window before going outside, and take good care of your keys; Do not give the keys to others.

Thanks for your support and co-operation.

Apartment Management Company 2009

When writing an expository essay writers must support or oppose an idea and explain reasons for their argument in a formal way.

1. Answer the essay question clearly in the thesis statement when writing the introductory paragraph.
2. Give reasons supporting the thesis statement in the essay body paragraphs.
3. Three paragraphs are usually included in the body of an exposition.
4. Use data, quotes from other people and/or examples to support the ideas of each paragraph.
5. Conclude by summarizing the main ideas from the body paragraphs. (The topic sentence or each body paragraph should contain the main ideas.)

Expository writing is frequently used in class assessments and exams.

Example of an expository essay

Should smoking be banned?

Smoking should be banned. The largest single cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking so cigarette smoking should be banned. Introducing a law to ban smoking would drastically reduce lung cancer, prolong life expectancy and increase the quality of family life. People irritated by smoking would be less frustrated and facial complexions would be improved with this radical law banning smoking.

The first benefit of a total ban on smoking is people would no longer become frustrated as they walk out of public buildings where smoking is banned and find the first breath of ‘fresh’ air they breath is actually full of pollutants from people standing nearby smoking. Following the introduction of a smoking ban people would be able to walk out of public buildings, breathe fresh air and feel like the air they breathe is something good for their bodies. The days of having to push through a crowd of smokers on the footpaths outside public buildings would be over.

Secondly, the new law would mean people who have put the health of their families at risk by smoking in their homes, would no longer be able to do so. Consequently children would no longer need to be passive smokers in homes or see poor role models influencing them with negative health habits. Families would visit doctors, medical clinics and hospitals less frequently because all family members will be healthier. The overall result will not only be healthier families, but a healthier country.

Thirdly, people would become more attractive with clearer, smoother complexions. Communities would suffer less damage to their skin as a result of the harmful chemicals given off from cigarettes. People would enjoy moister and smoother skin. Skin specialists would no longer need to warn people of the negative effects of cigarette smoke on the skin. Over time people would appear to be younger due to their improved complexions.

Clearly there are many benefits flowing from this proposed ban on smoking. It would herald a smoke free era. People would no longer feel anxious about the lack of clean air around public buildings or fear for their health in their homes as a result of cigarette smoke. Generally, people would make fewer visits to medical services and skin problems would be reduced. Healthier living and increased life expectancies would enormously benefit the world’s population.

Comment:

The greatest weakness of the above exposition is a lack of data to support the arguments.